(Beginning Level)
Have you ever wanted just a "taste" of Tribal Belly Dance, or get a better understanding of what Tribal Belly Dance really is? This 6-week introductory series, touches on where Tribal Belly Dance got it start, introduces fundamental movements, isolations, and posture that is crucial for the Tribal Belly Dance style. Class will include slow and fast movements as well as introduce zils (finger cymbals), in addition to basic formations, lead changes and basic musicality. By the end of the session, we'll have you improv dancing in formation! This class is best for beginners, current fundamentals students, or students who want to learn more about Tribal Style Belly Dance. Please bring zils (finger cymbals) if you have them, and a water bottle. This class is strongly encouraged before starting the Fundamentals of Tribal Belly Dance classes, but is NOT required. **please note - this class is offered on a session basis only**
Fundamentals of Tribal Belly Dance -
(Beginning and Mixed Levels)
Introduces and develops the TribalTique Style vocabulary of movement emphasizing the technique, posture, foundation and form that is essential for improvisational tribal style. It's modern tribal improvisational dance with a TribalTique “Impro-fusion” twist! Class includes a warm-up and cool-down, breakdown and drilling of essential vocabulary and basic zil drills (finger cymbals). This beginning class is open to all levels of dancers. Please bring zils (finger cymbals), if you have them,and a water bottle to class.
TribalTique Denver Performance at the TribalTique Holiday
Hafla 2009
Image courtesy of Craig Vollmer
Tribal Shake and Bake -
(Mixed Levels)
This Class expands upon foundation movements from the Fundamentals class and starts to introduce the fusion-styled elements. Shake and Bake is a little bit of everything rolled into one. Learn variations and embellishments, as well as lead work, chorus work, and combinations. This is a mixed level class. Attendance is
by INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION ONLY, please email
Molly to discuss your participation. Please bring zils and a water bottle to class.
Belly Dance Conditioning and
Drills -
(All Levels)
This class is a great workout for all levels and styles of belly dancers!
Train your muscles and mind to polish and further develop your belly
dance abilities. This class will lead students through stretches, exercises,
and drills specifically directed towards developing isolation, definition,
and strength for belly dance. This class is for all levels. Please bring
a yoga mat and water bottle to class.
Advanced Workshop/Performance Prep -
(Advanced Level)
This class concentrates on the key elements for improvisational cue dancing and formation work. Transitions, varying zil patterns, balancing, layering, and floor work are examples of topics covered. Both the Modern Tribal Improv and Tribal Fusion Style will be explored. Students will also learn choreography, stage presence, entrances and exits and have the opportunity to perform at local events. Class is by AUDITION ONLY.
Please email
Molly to discuss your participation. This class MUST
be taken concurrently with Belly Dance Conditioning and Drills! To be
able to accomplish some of the more advanced movements and principles
of performance dancers need to have a strong core of isolation, drills,
and conditioning to build off of. For serious students only!
TribalTique Denver Performance at the TribalTique Holiday Hafla 2010
Image courtesy of Craig Vollmer
What is MTI (Modern Tribal Improv)?
Modern Tribal Improvisational Belly Dance (MTI) is a dance form created by Molly McClellan of TribalTique Tribal Belly Dance Company that has its roots in American Tribal Style® Belly Dance (ATS®) and adds a Tribal Fusion flavor. MTI is a blend of ATS® and Tribal Fusion elements that enables dancers to incorporate both styles so they can have the “best of both worlds”.
Modern Tribal Improv takes the guidance and rules of ATS® and shakes them up. In MTI, you will not only find traditional ATS® right side leading, but left side, and center leading as well. This enables the dancer to balance out their body and give attention to the entire audience in front of them. By making fusion styled movements “cue-able”, MTI dancers are enabled to continue to push their boundaries as dancers, add and explore new elements and concepts to their dance repertoire while still being able to incorporate more traditional ATS® movements.
Another distinction of MTI is that the costuming can not only include layers of fabric, and heavy, ethnic jewelry; it also allows for modern and fusion styled elements to be added depending on the music selection.
Performances can consist of a traditional chorus or circle of dancers providing a backdrop for solos, duets, trios in addition to specialized formations designed for MTI. Performances are seldom choreographed but rather cued from a vocabulary of movement by the designated lead dancer, thus the dance is different every single time! This encourages a spirit of team work, awareness and cooperation; all parts of being a "tribe."
American Tribal Style® and ATS® are federally registered trademarks of FatChanceBellyDance, Inc.
What do I wear?
Please come dressed in a choli, tank top, or some other type of form fitting
top (so we can insure proper posture, no t-shirts please), pantaloons
or yoga style pants (something that will not restrict your movement),
and a noiseless hip scarf (if desired). Students with zils (finger cymbals)
are encouraged to bring them to each class. We usually dance barefoot,
or if the floor is cold, in socks.
How do I pay?
Molly will check you in at the beginning of class. Payment (cash or check) is due at the beginning of class. If you're paying in cash, EXACT CHANGE ONLY, please :) We do not accept credit cards at the studio, sorry. If you would like to pay via PayPal, please see the dance instruction page.
TribalTique Denver Performance at the Summer Spectacular
Photo courtesy of Craig Vollmer
Do I need to register with you?
If you're coming to our classes for the first time show up a few minutes
early to sign a waiver and fill out a registration card with your contact
information. We use this information to inform you of class cancellations,
upcoming events, and other important announcements. If you are interested
in a class that runs in 6 week sessions or has limited spaces, please
contact the instructor prior to class to ensure there is a spot available.
Can I come and watch class instead
of dropping in?
No. In fairness to our other students and for liability reasons, we do
not allow people to come and watch class.
Which class is right for me?
Tribal by Fire! or Fundamentals of Tribal Belly Dance is the best starting place for brand new dancers and belly dancers who have never done ATS® (American Tribal Style®), ITS (Improvisational Tribal Style) or MTI (Modern Tribal Improv) before. Shake and Bake classes are mixed level, and previous Fundamentals training is required. Belly Dance Conditioning and Drills is perfect for all levels seeking a good workout. Advanced Workshop is by instructor invite only.
American Tribal Style® and ATS® are federally registered trademarks of FatChanceBellyDance, Inc.
Can I bring my child to class?
Unfortunately, no. For the comfort of and consideration to all students,
and liability reasons, we do not allow children in class whether they
want to participate or just quietly watch.
What is the minimum age for
the Group Belly Dance
Classes?
Our classes are for students who are of at least 18 years of age for insurance
reasons.
What is the meaning of life,
the universe, and everything?
42.